[...] About Commencement Undergraduate Commencement
Student Commencement Speaker

Student Commencement Speaker

IN THIS SECTION
Questions?
undergradcommence@worcester.edu

The Worcester State University Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is held each year in May. Graduating seniors are invited to apply to be the undergraduate student commencement speaker. The student commencement speaker will give a five-to-seven (5-7) minute speech in front of fellow graduating seniors, family members, guests, faculty, and staff.

 

Eligibility and Application

Students who are graduating in May 2025 or who graduated in August 2024 or December 2024 and meet the following qualifications are considered eligible and may apply to be the undergraduate speaker at the commencement ceremony:

  • Those who have outstanding credits (those whose petition to walk has been approved) or other requirements to complete as of May 2025 are ineligible to apply
  • has a successful academic record
  • student conduct expectations have been met
  • a history of participation in campus or community activities

Eligible students may apply to be the student commencement speaker by completing the Application for Student Commencement Speaker.  The link will go live on January 2, 2025.

 

Timeline and Selection

January 2, 2025 – February 9, 2025Application link opens
February 12, 2025 – February 23, 2025Application Review
February 26, 2025 – March 1, 2025Finalist Interviews

(Finalists will have from March 1 to March 12 to compose their speech)

March 12, 2025Finalist Speech Read at Academic Ceremonies Committee
March 14, 2025Announcement of student commencement speaker

 

  1. The Student Speaker Selection Committee composed of members of the Academic Ceremonies Committee and student body representatives  will review all applications, interview the finalists, and select the student speaker for the undergraduate commencement ceremony.
  2. Those students who are selected for an in-person speech read through will present their speech to the entire Academic Ceremonies Committee. Committee members may ask questions of the finalists during this time.
  3. The student who is selected must:
  • Commit to meeting with appointed staff members from Office of Communications and Marketing (MARCOM) and the Student Affairs staff in April 2025.
  • Accept guidance and edits from MARCOM and the Student Affairs representatives.
  • Be available for an in-person walk though at the DCU, date to be determined.
  • Be present for the 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Additional Information

  • The selected speaker will be seated on stage during the ceremony and will be invited to attend breakfast with the platform party on Commencement morning.
  • The selected speakers guests’ will be eligible for Reserved Seating at Commencement
  • To request an accommodation for this process, please contact Student Accessibility Services at accessability@worcester.edu. Two (2) weeks notice is appreciated.
  • If you have any questions, please email: undergradcommence@worcester.edu
Questions?
undergradcommence@worcester.edu